Notre-Dame: controversy over the replacement of the historic stained glass windows by Viollet-le-Duc

06 October 2024 / Alice Leroy

As the reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris progresses, a new controversy is emerging over the replacement of the cathedral's historic stained glass windows. Expected to cost between 3 and 4 million euros according to Michel Guerrin in a Article World, this project raises concerns among heritage defenders. While the amount of this renovation may seem relatively small in the overall restoration budget, some believe that it represents a waste, especially in a period of budgetary restrictions. According to a source close to the Ministry of Culture, the exact cost of this operation remains unclear, between 3 and 4 million euros.

The current stained glass windows, designed by Alfred Gérente under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, are nevertheless considered major works of French heritage. Their replacement is seen by some specialists as an attack on the historical integrity of the cathedral. The financing of the project also raises questions: the creation of the new stained glass windows would be covered by the budget for artistic creation, while the treatment and storage of the old ones would be financed by the budget for historical monuments.

Despite criticism, the Ministry of Culture has not yet specified the final amount or the details of the financing, leaving doubts about the future of this operation. A petition against this project has already collected more than 230 signatures, a sign of a significant mobilization to preserve the original heritage of the cathedral.

On the other hand, some critics believe that this investment could be used more effectively, for example to complete the archaeological excavations around the cathedral's rood screen or other restoration projects. The question remains unresolved, but the debates surrounding this restoration illustrate the complexity of saving a monument as emblematic as Notre-Dame de Paris.